Remember585

In a word - yes. Too many people are getting into accidents because they aren't paying attention. You're operating a vehicle that weighs several thousand pounds. Add in the speed of the vehicle, reaction time and roadway conditions, the driver texting away and you have a recipe for disaster! If you're driving, that's all you should be doing. As far as cops on their cell phones - how much different is that then if they are on their radio talking to dispatch?? To me it's a non-issue. When I am responding to calls in my Chief's car, I rarely bring my cell let alone use it. There's too many things for me to pay attention to to worry if my phone is ringing and someone is calling to tell me "I didn't hear the call," knowing they probably got the I-page....

Walter, It was masonry block with wooden (not heavy timber) members. The original roof appeared to be 2 x 8 beams with wooden planks covered by asphalt roofing. There was what appeared to be a rain roof on it made up of 2 x 4 members and asphalt roofing. There was a steel I-beam that ran across the building about 1/3 the distance from the front wall, which is what kept the 2nd roof AC unit from falling in (more then likely). I would call it a Type 3 Ordinary if I had to classify it. There was a drop ceiling suspended from the original roof, which basically gave it two different void areas for the fire to run (which it did). As to the number of renovations - I'm not even going to guess. Kris - good pics - any we can use for the CFD website? Thanks.

It almost looked like a DOC patch on a tactical uniform - perhaps one of their ESU guys?

Hypothetically speaking, if one of your members does fail a stress test or, something is found in their EKG or they have had a heart attack or other cardiac issue - then what? For example, if one of your guys had a heart attack and has been cleared by his/her MD to go back to work 100%, does he/she get to keep being a member of your FD? Any can they continue to be Interior?

I wouldn't generalize Croton PD as anti-FD. On the whole they're a great organization with a couple of people who sometimes seem to have personal agendas aimed towards members of our Department. The usual ones who like to break our chops are ironically members of the FD or former members of our FD. Hmm....... It also doesn't help when someone throws a dozen switches on powering up more lights then the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and drive like they're in the final heat of the Daytona 500. Thankfully the members have calmed down and learned to abide by the law a lot better then we did a few years back. Plus one of the biggest offenders of the blue light law (cough) me (cough) finally grew up and sadly became a Chief Officer... so now it is my job to do the right thing and set an example for my peers. I did have a good laugh in the beginning of the year when someone complained to our PD about a vehicle matching mine went "flying by with a blue light on," and I got questioned by a cop, only to reply, "Um, yeah I drive the Chief's Car now, so it wasn't me, thanks for asking."

Not the same subject, but has anyone received anything for the T&V Police exam in 2 weeks?

It all makes sense to me. Crime is on the rise, perfect time to cut the number of cops!

Class is still on, starts at 0900. Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner Steve.

Congrats Chief.

12/5/08 RWC130 / 5556 FINALLY does a Croton EMS call?!

Not sure if this is "right," but in many career departments the Duty Chief or Duty Officer is going to be the IC. For example, if New Rochelle goes on a box and 2302 is going, then 2302 will be the IC. Bnechis can correct me if I am wrong. Three Departments I can think of that use NIMS very well are Fairview, White Plains and Scarsdale. The most important thing in my eyes isn't so much declaring "command" but giving a quick size up to incoming units. Many times when I arrrive on scene, I will state something like, "Car 2083 on location, nothing showing from the exterior, establishing Half Moon Bay Command." Before NIMS was all the hype, we sent our people thru the old ICS training and we've been using it (in some form) almost 10 years if not more. I think it is vital whenever your agency is operating at multiple incidents to have a unit declare command for each incident location. It eliminates confusion to on scene / responding units, as well as dispatch.

I'd say that's your answer right there...

Dude, I don't want to "blow up your spot," or, "rain on your parade," or anything, but I feel I should share what's happening on 12/5/08. On Friday, December 5th, women everywhere will be flocking to department stores everywhere to do their holiday shopping, being it is the first Friday of December. And, coincidentally, 19 days later, men everywhere will do the same in a hasty last minute effort to get their significant other that "special" (all-be-it last second) gift for Christmas. There, I said it. The cat is out of the bag!

We should have 60 Control staff meetings at Foxwoods...

I hear there are roulette games, card tables and even slot machines in those rigs!

Charge it before entering. Houses are generally too cramped to go inside with a dry line then try to charge it. Next thing you know you've got kinks all over the place, or when it charges you suddenly find yourself getting shoved into a wall or something. Once that line makes it's way upstairs, a 2nd charged line should protect the stairs for the brothers making the push.

I know I've got better photos somewhere, but here's one of our old Engine 119, which went to Maywood, NJ. Here it is taking up from a house fire in Jnauary of 2006. The handsome devil behind the wheel is yours truly...

I didn't hear a thing. Then again I am at work in Valhalla.....

I think you're right, I just don't remember what year. If I remember correctly, we gave that rig to Mohegan when we got the Mack.

The photo above's predecessor. I forget the vehicle make and info.

Croton's Old Rescue 18 - 1963 Mack / Name that escapes me

Since plastic cribbing came about, it seems that this is one debate with a lot of mixed feelings. Personally I prefer wood over plastic - less slipping is the main reason - and would like to carry nothing but wood. So, please feel free to give me your thoughts / opinions of wood vs. plastic cribbing. And while we're at it, let's discuss all of the cribbing types and methods and see if we can't get an informative discussion going here.

Thanks for the photos! I guess that x655 kid is OK after all....

I don't recall who it was or where it was, but I remember being taught that in some applications, turning the step cribbing upside down is a good way to stabilize a vehicle too. Something along the lines that it works quicker and has more contact with the vehicle. I think..... 2413 - Got any photos of your cribbing you can share?

What you were seeing was actually a ring of radiation coming from your hometown of Verplanck, O'Brien!!! J/K I'm stuck inside working so I haven't seen it, sounds cool though.